Gaza building collapse kills 16 people seeking shelter inside

A war-damaged building collapsed in the Gaza Strip, killing 16 people, including children, and leaving at least 100 missing, according to the latest reports by Al Arabiya. 

The incident highlights the ongoing danger for tens of thousands of Palestinians who live in an estimated 2,000 damaged buildings due to Israeli airstrikes across Gaza.

Raed Al-Dahshan, the director of Gaza City's civil defense service, said at least 10 families lived in the collapsed building and there was ​still hope of finding survivors.

"We are still hearing voices from under the rubble, so there is still hope to find people," said Dahshan.

Dahshan warned residents to stay away from wrecked buildings due to the risk of collapse. The local rescue service says about 2,000 ​damaged buildings are inhabited by families.

"The ​limited availability of shelter options ⁠forced residents to move into this building, believing it was safe. However, at one point it collapsed entirely, tragically crashing down on people as they slept," said Dahshan.

Alessandro Mrakic, head ​of the United Nations Development Programme's Gaza office, said rescuers from some UN agencies were taking part in the rescue efforts, which he described as difficult due to the lack of proper machinery. Egypt's relief agency was also taking part in rescue efforts.

Palestinian and UN officials blame Israel's restrictions on Gaza for ‌the lack ⁠of heavy machinery in the territory. Israel says its curbs aim to keep equipment out of the hands of militant groups.

(With input from Reuters)